As the weather gets colder and classwork gets more stress-inducing, students are looking for things to help relax and unwind after busy days. Here are the top three hot coffee/tea drinks you can get in the Eau Claire area that can lift your spirits. 

London Fog from The Goat

Picture yourself walking to The Goat — it’s cold and windy and you’ve had a long day of classes. As you step inside and take a mug of London Fog in your hands, your stress melts away. 

This drink made from Earl Grey Tea, steamed milk and vanilla warms you from the inside out and calms down the most stressful school days. 

Not only is the drink delicious, the location on Water Street is easily accessible and the goods are Midwest made. 

According to the website, The Goat’s beans are organic fair trade and locally roasted in Duluth, Minnesota.

While inside, you can enjoy the local art for sale on the walls, or just sit in one of the booths and enjoy the small city life of downtown Eau Claire. 

Hot Chocolate from The Acoustic Cafe

Made with Ghirardelli chocolate, this drink will bring you back to your childhood. For those of us that need a treat after having a hard day, this will for sure cut it. 

If you’re looking for something to pick you up while still craving the warm chocolate goodness of a hot cocoa, try the Caffé Mocha also made with Ghirardelli. 

The atmosphere is the best part by far. Google put it best when they described the cafe to be a “Roomy corner cafe in light, high-ceilinged surrounds offering hoagies, soups & salads, plus art.” 

Ho Ho Mint Mocha from Caribou

A cold weather classic, this drink is bound to cheer you up and put you in the fall-to-winter transition. Chocolate, espresso and mint flavor makes this drink the perfect treat to start or end your day. 

This one is my new personal favorite. If you’re not one for caffeine but still love the taste, try it decaf — still just as delicious. 

Although Caribou Coffee is the only chain on this list, they are dedicated to sustainability you can be happy to support.

“We do good for our global communities here,” its website said. “Near and far by integrating sustainable practices that limit our environment footprint and have a positive impact on people and the planet.” 

Hopefully this list can help to encourage all of you to take a break during this busy season and take a moment for yourself — take care of your mental and physical health. 

Brandel can be reached at [email protected].